The star, who enjoyed a 40-year career on stage and screen, died after a brain haemorrhage, her long-time boyfriend Carlos Monde said.

"Iran Eory was a person much loved by the public and her colleagues and she left an important legacy after many years of acting," he said.

The actress, who was born in Iran, appeared in countless films, musicals, theatre productions and soap operas, first in Spain and later in Mexico and throughout Latin America.

She began her career in film in 1954 with the movie The Flute-Playing Devil, directed by Spaniard Jose Maria Forque.

In Mexico, Eory - whose real name was Elvira Eory - consolidated her success in Mexican television dramas including Love Has a Woman's Face, Toy World and Principessa.

Eory "was an artist in every sense of the word", said actor Gustavo Rojo.

He added: "She was very musical; it was in her blood. She was a real professional. We are going to miss her very much."